Status update

April 27, 2026

The University of Victoria and the University of Victoria Faculty Association (UVic FA) have jointly agreed to apply for mediation to support the ongoing collective bargaining process.

As a follow-up to this application, the Labour Relations Board has appointed David Schaub as mediator. The mediator has proposed preliminary mediation dates of May 20 to May 29. The Faculty Association has confirmed its agreement to those dates, and we are reviewing logistics to proceed accordingly.

We will provide further updates as arrangements are finalized.

Process

In BC's public sector, collective bargaining typically begins with each party opening negotiations by tabling a package of proposals—often referred to as "opening articles"—that outline their priorities for changes to the existing collective agreement, such as compensation, benefits and working conditions. These proposals are exchanged and formally presented at the bargaining table, where each side explains the rationale behind its positions.

The process then moves into an iterative cycle of discussion, clarification, and counter-proposals, with parties responding article by article rather than all at once, withdrawing, amending, or modifying proposals as bargaining progresses. Throughout this exchange, both sides aim to reach mutually acceptable language until a tentative agreement is reached. Should talks stall, statutory dispute resolution processes under BC labour law are triggered.